Part of the Global Studies Department, the Curricular Travels Path program is an avenue that enhances students’ language acquisition and academic study, through immersive travel experiences. Designed to deepen students’ understanding of a trip’s central theme or area of study, the program fosters engagement by immersing students in a new cultural environment.

Grade 8 Explores London’s Literary and Theatrical Heritage

From Thursday, January 16, to Tuesday, January 21, Poly Middle School Grade 8 students embarked on an exciting journey to London, U.K., led by English faculty Lee Marcus, alongside trip chaperones Dean of Faculty and History Faculty Andrea Del Valle, Middle School Dean Amanda Rose, and Performing Arts Faculty Andrew Cooper-Leary. Their adventure took them to the heart of the city’s artistic and cultural landmarks, tracing 400 years of literary and performing arts history. Students toured Shakespeare’s Globe, where they participated in an interactive workshop, explored the British Museum’s historical treasures, and visited London’s East End—an area shaped by immigrant communities whose arts movements have enriched the location for over 200 years. The trip also included an engaging experience at a contemporary theater production, bringing their studies to life in one of the world’s great cultural capitals.

Literature Comes to Life

Students enjoyed a variety of local foods and participated in arts, literary, and drama-focused activities, including a street art workshop, a movement workshop, and an improvisation class. They toured the Globe Theatre and attended two theater productions: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the Musical and Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre. After five days in the vibrant city, Grade 8 students returned with fresh perspectives on the role of literary and performing arts in the world today. They formed new, exciting connections between the literature they study and its impact on global cultures and the arts—as well as enjoyed the camaraderie that such a shared adventure brings.

The Power Of Storytelling

In its second iteration, the Literary London trip provided students with a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich arts scene and deepen their arts education at Poly. Reflecting on the trip’s impact, Marcus shared, “The trip offers students a chance to learn about London’s storied history—from Shakespeare’s stages to the pages of contemporary literature. London is a sprawling metropolis full of diverse art and artists, and this backdrop allows students to deepen their understanding of world literature and the way stories continue to hold power in today’s world. Throughout the journey, we make sure to help students realize how various art forms continue to hold power.”

Lasting Impressions

One of the 24 students who attended, Grade 8 student James G. ‘29, shared his perspective on what made the trip a special and lasting memory of his time at Poly. “This was an amazing trip, one that I think younger grades should definitely look forward to when they become eighth graders. My favorite place we visited was the London Dungeon. It not only taught us more about old England but also gave our group a great scare, which was so much fun! The theater productions were also incredible. The two shows we saw had great music and amazing acting. They’re definitely shows I’ll always remember. The best food we had was probably during the East End food tour, where we sampled food from different restaurants, it was amazing! What made the food tour even more memorable was that it wasn’t just about eating; we also learned about graffiti in the East End from famous artists like Banksy, and then got to create our own graffiti in a warehouse. Overall, it was a fantastic trip, and I had tons of fun. It will definitely be a lasting memory from Poly.”

Shared Experience and Friendships

Another student shared their reflection with Marcus, describing the trip as both an educational experience and an opportunity to strengthen friendships. “Personally, this trip brought me closer to my friends, exposed me to different cultures, and taught me more about history. I really enjoyed the theater productions and the tours, especially the street art tour. I learned that theater was once considered a sin in England, which was a fun fact! This trip gave me a better understanding of Europe and other countries since I rarely travel out of state. It was amazing to experience it all with my friends and create shared memories. Some of my favorite parts were the plays, the graffiti workshop, and the London Dungeon.” – Anonymous, Grade 8 Student